Comps for Monogram

I like to call it a monogram, but it is a logo of sorts. I basically want to build a logotype, including a monogram that can be used interchangeably and help me develop the process for what Lindsey is after. Given some of her feedback from our previous attempt at designing her cards (shown in posts below), it appears like she’s looking for one or two directions: one that highlights a thin and crisp line over a fogged window motif, and one that is more rustic, charming and poster-like. When I say poster-like I’m referring to woodblock type, which is inherently going to conjure some notions of a southern atmosphere. I’m wondering if that’s what Lindsey might be hinting at that appeals to her—she is, after all, a southern girl. How that marries well with a freelance business as a harpist has yet to be determined, but some development on that has definitely shown attractive results.

As a caveat, and this is something on which I often have to tread carefully when dealing with real clients, it should be understood that these compositions are still directional. They may be very close to final work, or they may still be very far from complete. The *concept* is what is most important to convey at this stage to a client; they are not buying a final design at this point, they are considering design work that has been created in response to their stated needs. It’s of course my hope that Lindsey will be pleased with either of these designs, but if she isn’t, in any capacity, we’ll have to root out why, and engage in a process of communicating again in order to get at her brand even more clearly. That will come, however, after her review.

So here are two directions I’ve taken based on the sketches I’ve made and the feedback from Lindsey. One is a thin and streamlined “cradling” concept that is focused on the fundamental shape of a harp. The other is a more comfortable and charming woodblock style with a dash of curvature and feminine quality in the type combination (lower case cursive l and upper case W).

Route 1: “Cradling Harp”

[portfolio_slideshow timeout=6000 include=”1734,1735,1736″]

Route 2: “Tuscan Charm”

[portfolio_slideshow timeout=6000 include=”1737,1738,1739″]

There is a lot of research going on in the background for Lindsey’s brand, and I hope to share as much of it as I can in some process posts soon enough. I am already, as you can see, using some of her suggested copy and provided imagery. Color is another conversation entirely, but as it stands, I’m feeling good about the directions in their black and white forms. We will see if production costs and strategy determine color or not, but it’s high time we get something to the client, get a direction chosen and get moving on polishing and collateral.

Current Client: Fuse

Fuse is the name of an infused vodka project where exotic ingredients are combined and patiently brewed and are enjoyed at a later date. These vodkas are a homemade pet hobby of my own, but here on the blog I'm set out to give the product a graphic character to help bring it to life. Fuse has a lot going for it in taste, but in terms of identity, these five words were built to help guide the way: